32128, Port Orange, Florida Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 32128, Port Orange, Florida is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near ZIP Code 32128

This review assesses the overall health landscape for residents near ZIP code 32128, focusing on hospital quality, accessibility, and specialized services. The analysis incorporates data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), publicly available hospital websites, and other credible sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare options in the area. The goal is to offer a fact-rich overview, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**The Geographic Context:**

ZIP code 32128 primarily encompasses the city of St. Augustine, Florida, a historic coastal community. Proximity to major healthcare hubs is a key consideration for residents in this area, as access to specialized care and emergency services is crucial. The review considers hospitals within a reasonable driving distance, recognizing that healthcare needs often extend beyond immediate geographic boundaries.

**Flagship Hospitals and CMS Star Ratings:**

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is the quality of the hospitals serving the community. CMS star ratings, while not perfect, offer a standardized metric for comparing hospitals based on various quality measures.

**Flagler Hospital:** Located in St. Augustine, Flagler Hospital is the primary hospital serving the immediate area. As of the latest CMS data, Flagler Hospital holds a four-star rating. This rating reflects its performance across a range of categories, including patient safety, readmission rates, and patient experience. The hospital has a strong reputation for its cardiac care and women's services.

**Baptist Medical Center Beaches:** Situated in Jacksonville Beach, approximately a 45-minute drive from St. Augustine, Baptist Medical Center Beaches is another significant healthcare provider for residents in the 32128 area. While not directly within the ZIP code, its proximity and comprehensive services make it a relevant option. Baptist Medical Center Beaches has a four-star rating from CMS.

**Memorial Hospital Jacksonville:** Also in Jacksonville, Memorial Hospital is another major player. Memorial Hospital has a three-star rating from CMS.

**Emergency Room Wait Times:**

ER wait times are a critical factor in evaluating hospital accessibility and responsiveness. Long wait times can exacerbate medical conditions and increase patient anxiety. Data on ER wait times can fluctuate, but trends provide valuable insights.

Flagler Hospital generally reports relatively moderate ER wait times, often averaging under an hour. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the severity of patient cases.

Baptist Medical Center Beaches, while further away, often reports comparable or slightly longer wait times than Flagler Hospital. It's essential to check real-time wait times through hospital websites or third-party apps before seeking emergency care.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, being a larger facility, may experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours. Patients should consider this when choosing an emergency care facility.

**Specialty Centers and Services:**

Beyond general care, the availability of specialized services is crucial. This includes cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other critical areas.

Flagler Hospital has a well-regarded cardiac care program, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options for heart conditions. The hospital also provides comprehensive women's services, including obstetrics and gynecology.

Baptist Medical Center Beaches boasts a comprehensive cancer center, providing a full spectrum of cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The hospital also has a strong orthopedic program, specializing in joint replacements and sports medicine.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville is a large facility with a wide array of specialty centers. It offers a comprehensive heart institute, a renowned cancer center, and a robust neuroscience program.

**Telehealth and Digital Health Initiatives:**

Telehealth has become increasingly important, especially in rural or geographically dispersed areas. It provides access to healthcare services remotely, improving convenience and access to specialists.

Flagler Hospital has embraced telehealth, offering virtual visits for certain specialties and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for residents who have difficulty traveling to the hospital.

Baptist Health System, which includes Baptist Medical Center Beaches, has a robust telehealth program, providing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and other digital health services. This allows patients to connect with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville also offers telehealth services, including virtual urgent care and specialist consultations. They are actively expanding their digital health offerings to improve patient access and convenience.

**Hospital Affiliations and Networks:**

Hospital affiliations and networks can significantly impact the quality and scope of services available. These networks often facilitate collaboration among hospitals, sharing resources and expertise.

Flagler Hospital is an independent hospital.

Baptist Medical Center Beaches is part of the Baptist Health System, a large healthcare network with multiple hospitals and clinics in the Jacksonville area. This affiliation provides access to a wider range of specialists and resources.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville is part of the HCA Healthcare network, a large national healthcare system. This affiliation provides access to a vast network of resources and expertise.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction:**

Patient experience is a critical aspect of overall healthcare quality. Patient satisfaction surveys, such as those conducted by CMS, provide valuable insights into patient perceptions of care.

Flagler Hospital generally receives positive feedback on patient satisfaction, with patients often praising the staff's attentiveness and the hospital's cleanliness.

Baptist Medical Center Beaches also scores well on patient satisfaction surveys, with patients frequently highlighting the quality of care and the responsiveness of the medical staff.

Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, due to its size, may have a more variable patient experience. It's essential to consider individual experiences and reviews when evaluating this facility.

**Community Health Needs and Resources:**

Understanding the specific health needs of the community is crucial for evaluating the adequacy of healthcare services. This includes addressing prevalent health conditions and ensuring access to preventive care.

The St. Augustine area, like many coastal communities, has an aging population. This increases the demand for geriatric care, chronic disease management, and specialized services for older adults.

Access to primary care physicians is essential for preventive care and early detection of health problems. Residents should ensure they have a primary care provider and schedule regular check-ups.

Mental health services are also a critical need in any community. Residents should be aware of the mental health resources available in the area, including counseling services and psychiatric care.

**Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage:**

Healthcare costs and insurance coverage are significant factors in healthcare access. Residents should understand their insurance coverage and the costs associated with various healthcare services.

Hospitals in the area generally accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, it's essential to verify insurance coverage with each hospital before seeking care.

Financial assistance programs are available for patients who cannot afford healthcare services. Hospitals often have financial counselors who can help patients navigate these programs.

**Conclusion: Overall Health Score for 32128**

The healthcare landscape near ZIP code 32128 offers a range of options, with Flagler Hospital providing a strong local presence and Baptist Medical Center Beaches and Memorial Hospital Jacksonville offering more comprehensive services within a reasonable driving distance.

**Strengths:**

* **Flagler Hospital:** Strong local hospital with a good CMS rating, especially strong in cardiac and women's health.
* **Baptist Medical Center Beaches:** Comprehensive specialty services, including cancer care and orthopedics.
* **Telehealth:** Increasing availability of telehealth services, improving access to care.

**Areas for Consideration:**

* **ER Wait Times:** Variability in ER wait times, particularly at peak hours.
* **Distance:** The need to travel to Jacksonville for some specialized services.
* **Access to Primary Care:** Ensuring adequate access to primary care physicians for preventive care.

**Overall Health Score Recommendation:**

The overall health score for residents near 32128 is **Good**. The area benefits from a solid local hospital, access to a wide range of specialty services within a reasonable distance, and increasing telehealth options. Residents should proactively manage their health by establishing relationships with primary care providers, understanding their insurance coverage, and utilizing available resources. While the local hospital is strong, residents should be aware of the resources available in Jacksonville for more complex needs.